Do I need an ETA for the UK?

So, you’ve spent hours researching hotels online, read about thousands of years of history, and have even started planning visits to all the Bridgerton filming locations. It seems like you’re finally ready for your UK adventure, but one question is rattling around the back of your mind: do you need an ETA for the UK?

An ETA, or Electronic Travel Authorisation, is something that allows those without relevant visas to transit through or enter the UK. The necessity of having one depends on all sorts of factors, from your nationality, to how long you are staying in the UK. Basically, it’s something that tells the relevant border authorities that you have permission to travel to or through the country. And, as of January 2025, there have been some changes to who needs to apply.

Heading on our Great Britain and Ireland trip and wondering if you need an ETA for your travel to the UK? Read on to find out if you need to start filling in forms, plus everything else you want to know about applying for an ETA!

What does ETA stand for?

ETA stands for Electronic Travel Authorisation, and is necessary if you don’t fit the criteria for ETA-free travel and want to explore the best places to visit in the UK.

How much does an ETA cost?

The ETA costs £10, which is almost as good value as our England and Scotland tour.

Who does not need an Electronic Travel Authorisation?

As a result of Britain exiting the European Union in 2016, most visitors to the country will now need an ETA for the UK, whether they’re coming for the culture, or just to party in famous UK nightlife spots. However, there are many exceptions to these rules.

Individuals who don’t need an ETA include:

• British and Irish citizens
• Those with a UK valid visa
• Those living in Ireland, or travelling from Guernsey, Jersey, the Isle of Man, or Ireland – if you are doing our Scotland and Ireland tour you might still need one, even if you land in Ireland and have all the relevant permissions for a stay on the Emerald Isle
• Those travelling with a British overseas territories citizen passport
• Dual citizens with valid British or Irish passports
• Those whose passports contain a certificate of entitlement which allows them to come to the UK
• Those with permission to live, work, or study in the UK, which includes people with settled/pre-settled status and right of abode
• Those passing through the UK but remaining airside (i.e. not going through border control)

Everyone else needs an ETA for the UK, whether they’re planning on exploring the Titanic shipyard in Northern Ireland, marvelling at the Highlands while visiting Scotland, or even just expanding their imagination by checking out the Wonka filming locations in England.

Who is the Electronic Travel Authorisation scheme for?

If any of the below apply to you, you need an ETA for the UK:

• You are spending up to 6 months in the country for tourism. This is true whether you’re here for an entire half year, or you’re doing our England in a Week adventure
• You are spending up to 6 months in the country visiting family and friends, or for business/short-term study reasons – although this last one might be dependent on the number of working days you engage in, as there is a limit
• You are coming to the UK for up to 3 months on the Creative Worker visa concession
• You are coming to the UK for a paid engagement that’s received permission from relevant authorities
• You will be going landside when you transit through the UK, which means you will go through border security

If you are planning on staying for longer than 6 months, you will need the relevant visa.

How to apply for an ETA to come to the UK

Applying for an ETA so you can visit the best places in England is relatively easy thanks to the UK ETA app. All you need to do is download the app, take a picture of your passport, scan the chip in the document, scan your face, and take a photo of yourself. Then you answer some simple questions, and pay a fee via either credit card or debit card. You can also use Apple Pay.

The questions are simple. You will need information about your address, job, criminal history, and any other nationalities you might hold, if you’re a dual citizen. It doesn’t ask anything about your travel details.

You will usually receive a decision about whether your ETA for the UK has been successful within three days, although occasionally it can take longer than this.

You can delete the app once you have finished applying, as the ETA will be linked to your passport.

If the app doesn’t work for you, or your device is too old, you can also apply online.

Do Australians need an ETA for the UK?

Yes, as of January 2025, Australians need an ETA for the UK, unless they fall into any of the exceptions listed above.

Do US citizens need an ETA for the UK?

Yes, as of January 2025, US citizens need an ETA for the UK, unless they fall into any of the exceptions listed above.

Do Canadians need an ETA for the UK?

Yes, as of January 2025, Canadians need an ETA for the UK, unless they fall into any of the exceptions listed above.